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USA: Kia March 2009 sales
Kia Motors America reported it has seen a slight drop in March 2009 sales when compared to the same month of last year, but in spite of that, it’s overall sales in the first three months of fiscal year remain about flat.
In March, the Korean second largest automaker sold a total of 24.724 cars and SUVs, representing less than 1 percent drop from 24.871 units sold a year ago. So far this year, Kia’s US sales totaled 68.893 units, up 1 percent from the 68.214 units sold during the same period in 2008.
Among Kia’s models, three of them posted monthly sales increases. Sales of Sorento jumped 57.8 percent to 3,217 units from 2,039 units, while Sedona experienced a 62 percent increase and it’s sales jumping to 4.426 units.
But leading the charge with sales of 1246 units, was just recently launched, fun and stylish Kia Soul crossover. The Soul debuted in the showrooms across the USA in February this year and it’s sales skyrocketed above 1000 units in March – just like we predicted last month.
“Sales of the Kia Sorento and Sedona are strong and we can attribute that to the right marketing strategy and our strong value proposition,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing at Kia Motors America. “We are also pleased to have the Soul post impressive results right out of the gate with its recent launch in the U.S market; we feel we have the right vehicles for the times.” added Michael.
To avoid the sales slump in the coming months, Kia will intensify the advertising of it’s cars and also add some new models to it’s range.
By summer, we will see Forte sedan replacing the old Spectra model, while later in the year, the exciting 2-door Forte coupe is expected to hit the Kia dealers across the USA. In November, the company will also open it’s first US manufacturing plant where it will build the 2010 Sorento crossover in-line with two additional models.
Does this news really surprise you?? Congrats Kia!
I can’t help but wonder if the Sedona and Sorento sales don’t to some degree reflect buyers skittish about buying form Chrysler; i.e., these are poached Caravan and Liberty sales. That’s really bad news for Chrysler if so because most of those buyers probably won’t go back. But good news for Kia.
I notice that Rondo sales are down to this point in ’09 as compared to ’08. I would’ve guessed the other way around for that particular model. And Spectra sales just a tad lower, that’s just the calm before the storm of the new Forte. That rig is fantastic, BTW, anyone heard anything differently about the name Forte, not Spectra, in the U.S. Should be all systems go to be called Forte in the U.S.
It was finalized a long time ago that the Spectra replacement in the US would be called Forte. Kia has already posted the Forte service manual online for US dealers to view.
actually for March KIA US had a 3.4% increase as March ’08 had one more selling day compared to March ’09.
Its definitely Forte in Canada also, as its already being promoted on the KIA Canada website with three models – Forte, Forte EX, Forte SX
KIA Canada was up 12.6% for March ’09.
I got my Forte and it is sweet!!
I don’t believe you, you’re just one of those “false Greg’s”, aren’t you? Fess up!
Nope I am a real Greg and I have my real Forte in my real driveway
Took a test drive of the new Kia Soul diesel automatic. I just love it. The look of the vehicle was what caught my eye, and that gorgeous diesel engin is a winner. Buy one and be really happy!!!!!!
How’d you find the noise of the little diesel?? nice and quiet inside the car was it?
I’m put off a little with the Soul only having a “low tech” 4 speed auto, but I guess it wouldn’t make much difference in the diesel with that flat torque curve, there’d be no reason or need to rev it out in the lower gears. It’d be smooooth and easy, I would imagine and it would pull easily at very low speeds in 4th gear.
Greg da chajee, so you’re not an “imposter Greg”? You’re a real Greg, but just not a Greg from mid-western Michigan, eh? What color is your Forte? Automatic or stick? How’s the stereo workin’ out for ya?
Black, 6 speed with sirius. Its one of the best cars I have ever driven, I am looking forward to the Coupe with a Turbo..
I do not have a Forte…yet. Just the Optima works for now. I don’t have a driveway, either.
Greg, you guys park on the street, then? I’ve seen pics of your guy’s cars just don’t recall the exact placement of them.